AMA President: Major Study from JAMA Shows Overall American Health Improvements, But Chronic Disease Burden Must Be Addressed

“A new study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows a measurable improvement in the health of Americans, and doctors throughout the country are proud to partner with patients to help them live longer, healthier lives. But this study is also a wake-up call about the need to reduce the burden of chronic disease for America’s patients. The American Medical Association (AMA) is continuing its leadership in patient health by focusing on improving health outcomes for two of the nation’s most troubling chronic conditions: cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

“Physicians across all specialties and in all communities see patients with heart disease and diabetes. Preventing and improving outcomes for these diseases will require new, strong clinical and community linkages. The AMA is partnering with the YMCA of the USA to increase physician referrals of patients with prediabetes to evidence-based diabetes prevention programs, and with the Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality at Johns Hopkins University to help meet the government’s goal to bring the blood pressure of 10 million more Americans under control by 2017. The AMA is committed to working with physicians, patients, communities and public health agencies in order to reduce the burden of preventable disease to ensure health and wellness for all Americans.”